If you are lucky to have a budget that is large enough for boat ownership, then looking for a suitable place to keep your boat shouldn’t be an issue. There are lots of high-profile marinas that will gladly take your money and offer you a high-quality service. Unluckily, a lot of mooring providers have a limited online presence while some don’t even have at all leaving boat owners with relatively few options. Finding a convenient and inexpensive boat mooring is important as it will play a vital role in your boating experience as well as determining your budget.

In this article, you will be exposed to some of the things you need to know about boat mooring, how to find an inexpensive provider and the various types of moorings that are available.

Types of Mooring

Before you approach any provider, it is crucial and highly recommended that you acquaint yourself with some of the terminologies used in this field. This will help you to know what’s on offer and make the most out of your deal. Listed below are the various types of moorings:

Swinging Berthing:

this is a traditional mooring in which the bow of the boat is the only thing securing it, giving it the freedom to swing to face into the current of the wind.

Pile Berthing:

a pair of large metal or wooden posts with the boat in between, and the bow of the boat tied to one post while the stem is tied to the other post.

Drying Berthing:

this is when the mooring can only be accessed for part of every tidal cycle. Hence, the boat must be one that you’ll be able to try out safely on the bottom of the bilge or hull keels.

Fore and Aft Berthing:

this is when both ends of the boat are secured, but each end is tied to a floating buoy instead of a metal or wooden post.

Deep Water Berthing:

this is when a mooring never runs dry.

Half Tide Berthing:

this is similar to drying mooring, but with sufficient depth to keep the boat afloat for at least half of every tidal cycle.

Finger Berth:

narrow and short pontoon berths usually sized for personal boats.

Tips for Finding a Convenient And Inexpensive Mooring

Half-tide and drying mooring are typically cheaper thus more affordable than deep water options.

Make sure you put your name on the waiting list (if any) as soon as possible. Some clubs and harbor authorities in major areas function with a waiting list.

Generally, the easier it is to reach a berth, the more expensive it’s likely to be. Hence, a longer vessel trip or a location that is a little far away from open water will put some money back in your pocket, as you wouldn’t spend much on trips.

Ask questions. Do not underestimate what you will be able to learn and the kind of information you might amass by simply asking around. In most places, there are more fascinating options that might not be immediately obvious to you. To explore all your options and know which will be more convenient and pocket-friendly for you, you need to ask around. You can get good advice and direction from other boat owners as well as water taxi operators.

With this information and tips provided, finding an inexpensive and convenient boat mooring should no longer pose an issue, as you’d now know what to look for and how to explore your options.

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